The seven-week class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon beginning this Thursday and run through Nov. 21 at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis. The cost for the entire series is $40 and includes a home visit or phone call by the instructor and a follow-up session three months later.

The classes will be taught by Daniel Engel, Via Christi Home Health physical therapist, and Carolyn Cowart, a physical therapist and education coordinator for Via Christi.

The program was developed in Australia by occupational therapist Lindy Clemson. Participants experienced 30 percent fewer falls after completing the course, according to an evaluation of the program published in the September 2004 Journal of American Geriatrics Society.

The course includes seven two-hour sessions, a home visit or phone call by the instructor, and a follow-up session after three months.

For more information on the Stepping On program, contact Via Christi at 316-689-5700.